A staple in the Northern Khobar landscape, Pasalubong Filipino Bakery has stood the test of time. For more than two decades, it has carried culinary parcels of the Philippines to the Kingdom in their modest standalone bakery.
Aptly named, “pasalubong” is the term that refers to the long-held Philippine tradition of travelers bringing back gifts after returning from a trip. Filipinos living in Saudi Arabia can now stock up on edible pasalubong goodies from back home without leaving their neighborhood.
A second Alkhobar branch opened up about three years ago, on the upper floor of Al-Rahmaniya Center in the food court section of the mall, about a four-minute drive from the first location.
On the day of our visit, we came across many Filipinos who went straight to their preferred items. They seemed more than happy to recommend their favorite items and their faces lit up when I asked what treasures they had piled up to purchase.
After speaking to some patrons, we ordered a beef siopao for SR8 ($2). It was quite doughy but the meat itself was flavorful.
I particularly liked the sugar-coated plain donuts with a surprise of decadent condensed milk tucked within.
I also enjoyed their little pillow-soft breads, some stuffed with cheese, and each had a hint of sweetness.
I tried and enjoyed the buchi balls (SR2 each), coated in sesame seeds and stuffed with ube, a purple yam that is often used in baked goods that adds an earthiness.
I also tried the halo-halo, a popular cold dessert made with crushed ice, evaporated milk and flavoring such as ube jam, sweetened kidney beans and other candy-like delights.
I found it to be quite interesting, an indulgent treat with tiny textured-things floating and hidden within to chew on. If you like boba — which is an entirely different drink — you might enjoy this, too.
The leche plan (similar to a creme caramel) for SR7 was absolutely delicious and perhaps my favorite find.
Similarly, the branch in Riyadh is at a mall.
I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting the Philippines myself but I can still travel to Pasalubong to get some local pasalubong right here in the Kingdom.
